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Arbitrator reduces "A-Rod" suspension to 162 games

(New York, NY) -- An arbitrator is reducing the 211-game drug suspension for New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez to 162 games. Today's ruling means Rodriguez will miss the entire 2014 season under the suspension handed down by Major League Baseball in connection with performance-enhancing drugs.

The decision will cost MLB's active home run leader and highest paid player 25-million-dollars in salary. Rodriguez is expected to take the issue to federal court. His original suspension came last season after an investigation connected him to a now defunct Florida anti-aging clinic accused of distributing performance-enhancing drugs.

The New York Yankees third baseman isn't taking the suspension lying down. The three-time American League MVP plans to fight Saturday's arbitration ruling in federal court. An "A-Rod" spokesman issued a statement saying the suspension is based on false and unreliable testimony. The 38-year-old slugger is expected to seek an injunction that would allow him to attend spring training and be ready to play should the arbitrator's ruling be overturned in court.